Attorney found dead in Hall County Public Defender’s office broke protection order
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - A Grand Island man whose body was found Monday in the Hall County Public Defender’s office where he worked had been convicted in Omaha of violating a protection order. A Douglas County warrant was also pending for his arrest on a second violation.
Anthony Wagoner, 38, was an attorney in the criminal division of the public defender’s office. The Hall County Sheriff’s office said he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Douglas County Court records show Wagoner was convicted in May on one misdemeanor count of violating a protection order. Court records indicate a harassment protection order was ordered in March after his ex-girlfriend ended a relationship with him.
Wagoner was sentenced to one year probation.
Earlier this month, the ex-girlfriend reported that Wagoner had made further attempts to contact her by phone, text and email. A Douglas County judge issued an arrest warrant for Wagoner last Friday.
Hall County Public Defender Vicky Kenney released this statement Wednesday afternoon:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Tony. He was a kind, sensitive, and compassionate person who found purpose in helping others. Tony cared deeply about his clients and the work we do, and he made a lasting impact on those around him.
Like many people, Tony experienced personal challenges, particularly in the final chapter of his life. But those difficulties do not define the whole of who he was. We remember him for his generous spirit, his sense of humor, and his unwavering desire to do good in the world.
We are grateful to have known Tony and to have shared in his life and work. As coverage of this tragedy continues, we hope his memory will be treated with the empathy and humanity he so often extended to others."
If you are in need of help, the suicide lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing or texting 988.
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